Transfer Case Failure x 2

[p-Bar]

I agree, this does not add up. This is a two minute verification with a creeper. Shift TC to 4 HI, slide under truck, pull linkage off TC and make sure the shift lever is in the 4 HI detent position. If it isn't return to dealer and show them. If it is, it currently isn't the adjustment (but it could have been). If it is adjusted correctly hook up your trailer and video the same conditions it failed on last time. You will either confirm you have a reliable repaired truck, or your third repair for the LL.
This is turning into a way more complicated situation than it has to be. Take the truck, it's still yours. Until the arbitrator says to repurchase or not to repurchase you might as well use it.

I would have someone else there when and if you check this and video it with a cell phone for proof.

 

[Wiredawg]

Gents, adjustment of this linkage is very simple and doesn't require measurement. Here is the adjustment procedure right out of the FCA Factory Service Manual:

I'm no master mechanic, but I don't think this is the problem. I had the clamp and bushing come off and all it does is you can't shift out to 2H. I did get it extra tight and used Locktite on it.

This is something inside the case, IMHO.

Ron

 

[SCF Truck]

Gents, adjustment of this linkage is very simple and doesn't require measurement. Here is the adjustment procedure right out of the FCA Factory Service Manual:

View attachment 111362
I'm no master mechanic, but I don't think this is the problem. I had the clamp and bushing come off and all it does is you can't shift out to 2H. I did get it extra tight and used Locktite on it.

This is something inside the case, IMHO.

Ron

Ron,

GOOD NEWS. 1) I got my truck back today. 2) I fixed the root problem! I went to an independent shop and we used the FCA service manual posting you sent (above) to check the linkage and quickly discovered the linkage was off by nearly 1". Took all of 2 minutes to fix it. The shift linkage was set too far forward from the factory. This without a doubt was the cause of our two transfer case failures. Many thanks for the technical help!

BAD NEWS. 1) The dealer claims to have put a restricted warranty on our drive train for all future claims. I called FCA to verify this they didn't show any record of this but added it might take a few days. 2) The dealer put a rebuilt txfr case in our truck. I discovered this when I got home. I saw fresh RTV sealer and an old outer case. I called the dealer up and they acknowledged that was indeed true. That they cannibalized parts from our two broken txfr cases along with some new gears that had been damaged in both cases. They said they did me a favor and fixed it as a "good will gesture" since they along with FCA made the determination that I damaged the case by "overloading" it, which I strongly refute.

I told the service manager that I'm going to seek a full driveline warranty and new transfer case. I also told them how disappointed I was that they never checked the linkage - ever; even after I specifically sent them photos of the new linkage and requested they check it.

I feel so ripped off by this dealer. And to add insult to injury he's a veteran like me.

Thanks everyone for the tips. We'll keep you posted on the FCA outcome.

Farmer Dave

 

[Wiredawg]

Farmer Dave,
Cool beans! Wow. you are welcome.

Good luck getting a new xfer case,

Ron

 

[TCDiesel]

I told the service manager that I'm going to seek a full driveline warranty and new transfer case. I also told them how disappointed I was that they never checked the linkage - ever; even after I specifically sent them photos of the new linkage and requested they check it.

Dealers cannot restrict warranties..... If they claimed they went that far, they obviously new they bypass protocols on the R/R. Its an attempt to stop future charge-back...

They cannot cannibalize, that's another FCA violation... report that to The correct area rep and that dealership in dodo.

 

[SCF Truck]

Dealers cannot restrict warranties..... If they claimed they went that far, they obviously new they bypass protocols on the R/R. Its an attempt to stop future charge-back...

They cannot cannibalize, that's another FCA violation... report that to The correct area rep and that dealership in dodo.

What's the best method to report that? Take it to another dealership or write FCA?

 

[Wiredawg]

I believe in the warranty book in that came with your truck has complaint/claim escalation and arbitration process.

Ron

 

[SCF Truck]

I believe in the warranty book in that came with your truck has complaint/claim escalation and arbitration process.

Ron

It does. I've read it. Basically need to send a letter Certified Mail to FCA. I'll do that tomorrow.

 

[SCF Truck]

Dealers cannot restrict warranties..... If they claimed they went that far, they obviously new they bypass protocols on the R/R. Its an attempt to stop future charge-back...

They cannot cannibalize, that's another FCA violation... report that to The correct area rep and that dealership in dodo.

Here's the service ticket today from the second repair. It doesn't state cannibalization but I have the service manager stating they did cann parts in a text to my phone. And you'll notice there are no parts ordered for this repair. The first repair ticket shows the warranty claim and new TC being ordered. What is this guy thinking, that I'm not going to figure this out? He showed me the second case on the shop floor. I know a cann when I see one - did aircraft maintenance for 25 years. Fly Navy!

 

[DonFitzwater]

Lemon that SOB just to stick it in Chrysler’s rear end. I’m glad the root cause of the failure was discovered.

 

[Wayne M.]

I’m glad you took the bull by the horns so to speak!
I had 2 issues with my ‘14 Durango early on, and the selling dealer wasn’t co operating at all. While searching for answers, I wound up in a online chat with a Mopar rep, and it turned into a ”starcase” which was like having a weapon. I went to a different dealer, and everything was resolved.
One issue was with these special self leveling rear struts this suv has- they rattle. While it’s a known issue on the Durango forums, dealer 1 denied everything. Even after having the tech and service manager ride in the back. They refused to change the struts with a superseded part- which they were upset I knew about! After I opened the case and went elsewhere, I got what I wanted.
Don’t give up!

 

[jgillott]

Take everything you have, including a print out of your text with the service advisor stating that the case was rebuilt, directly to an attorney. Do it now, not in a few weeks, and get your case started.

I know that many shy away from using an attorney for various reasons. But this is the time that you need one. That statement that you were overloaded is absolutely ludicrous to put in a document and hand it back to you, especially when you have the weight ticket showing otherwise.

Don't expect this to unfold overnight. I bet you are looking at close to a year of litigation. But, your attorney will be able to navigate this case smoothly for you.

 

[jhenderson]

Get out the popcorn, this could be very interesting.

 

[TFucili]

That is one lame dealer. I think jgillot has the right idea, time to lawyer-up. Hopefully the independent is willing to go to bat for you if necessary. I susoect there is a "witness mark" where the linkage adjustment was originally??? With that, a weight ticket, and patience/persistence I think you can prevail.

All this because they were too lazy to check the adjustment. What a shame.

 

[TCDiesel]

Here's the service ticket today from the second repair. It doesn't state cannibalization but I have the service manager stating they did cann parts in a text to my phone. And you'll notice there are no parts ordered for this repair. The first repair ticket shows the warranty claim and new TC being ordered. What is this guy thinking, that I'm not going to figure this out? He showed me the second case on the shop floor. I know a cann when I see one - did aircraft maintenance for 25 years. Fly Navy!

That repair ticket say's it all, Open star case and file the complaint, Wait for now on legal action there's plenty of time for that.

 

[EDankievitch]

Wow this sounds like my experience I had with a dealer and the 2002 truck I use to own. Things got ugly to the point that I forced them to take the truck back. The service Tec and Service manager totally screwed up a truck that went in for a simple oil leak. But that is another story. Document everything. It would have been nice to have videoed the shift linkage getting checked and re adjusted to the proper factory settings. The installation of a shop rebuilt case.... The shop has proven they DO NOT HAVE A CLUE what they are doing. That alone dose not sit well with me. As I said above you want a Factory Rep out to go over your truck. Even if you have to bring it to another shop. Document and report. The shop that screwed up my 02 had a history and today they are out of business. Chrysler pulled their dealership not long after my incident. I was not alone with having problem with them.I'm sure your truck is not an isolated issue for the dealership you've been dealing with.
Best of luck.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Definitely star case! We already know their ineptness on adjusting linkage, I shudder to think how inept they might be on actually rebuilding a transfer case.

 

[p-Bar]

If need be we can start a go fund me page and sue the crap out the dealer and FCA

 

[Wiredawg]

SCF Truck,

This all makes sense now. I'm not a stick in the eye kind of guy and never shared my thought that it sounded like xfer case was shifted under full load, but was actually not fully engaged. Its bothersome that what I sent you is part of the xfer case installation procedures that mechanics didn't use or follow. Very sad their mechanics are not using manuals.

Best of luck with your case.

Ron

 

[Wayne M.]

A half hour and a creeper. That’s all.